Meaning & Definition of Zag in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: to make a sharp turn in a zigzag course

  Example Sentence: The car began to zag around the corners of the winding road.

• Definition: to shift direction abruptly or sharply

  Example Sentence: She zagged to the right to avoid the oncoming traffic.

Etymology

Origin: The word 'zag' is a back-formation from the word 'zigzag', which traces back to the early 19th century.

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• zag when you should zig: to make the wrong choice or move in a contrary direction.
• zagging back and forth: to move erratically or unpredictably.
• zag across the street: to make sharp turns while crossing a road.

Translations

• Spanish: zigzaguear

• French: zigzaguer

• German: zickzack fahren

• Russian: зигзагом

Related Words

• zig: to move in a zigzag pattern of sharp turns.

• zigzag: a pattern characterized by sharp turns or angles.

Slang Meanings of zag

• Meaning: to change one's mind suddenly

  Example Sentence: He zagged on his plans for the weekend.

• Meaning: to evade or dodge

  Example Sentence: She zig-zagged through the crowd to avoid being noticed.